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Affordable Housing

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Find out if I am eligible

Affordable Housing in Victoria

Affordable housing provides secure rental homes for low to moderate-income working households.

As a not-for-profit, Unison offers safe, long-term housing for people on low incomes, including those who are employed. We help renters maintain their housing, feel at home, and engage with their community through partnerships with specialist support services.

Unison-owned and managed properties are located in Melbourne’s inner city, north, west, and Geelong.

Affordable Housing Self Assessment Form

What is affordable housing?

What is affordable housing?

Affordable housing is secure rental housing offered to low to moderate income working households, such as cleaners, child carers, hospitality workers, and sales assistants, at below-market rates.

Who is eligible for affordable housing?

All applicants must be over 18 years of age and meet the following criteria:

  • Australian Citizenship OR Permanent Residency status.
  • Currently lives in Victoria.
  • Stable rental history.
  • Working part time or full time.
  • Income within limits as set by the Victorian Government:
    • Singles: up to $69k p.a.
    • Couples: up to $103k p.a.
    • Families: up to $144k p.a.

If you are unsure about whether you are eligible, fill-in our self assessment form.

How do I find affordable housing?

Affordable housing is not available through the Victorian Housing Register. Instead, you apply directly through housing providers like Unison.

To find a home visit realestate.com.au, where Unison advertises all our available affordable housing properties. You can view current listings by clicking here.

Each listing is clearly marked as an affordable property and includes the eligibility criteria. You can also use our self-assessment form to check if you’re eligible before applying.

How do I apply for affordable housing?

Once you find a property that you’re eligible for and interested in, click the ‘Get in touch’ button on the listing. We’ll email you more information and an application form.

Complete the application form and return it to us along with:

  • Your last three months of payslips.
  • Proof of any other income.
  • After we receive your completed application and documents, we’ll check if you’re eligible and contact you to arrange a property inspection.

Please note: we can’t process your application without the required documents.

How much rent will I pay for affordable housing?

Rent is typically capped at no more than 75% of market rate, and tenancies are generally fixed term with the option to renew if income remains within eligibility limits.

What is the difference between affordable housing and social housing?

Affordable housing sits between social housing and the private rental market. Rent is fixed below market rates and you apply directly through Unison, or another housing provider, when a vacancy is advertised. By comparison, social housing is for people on very low incomes or with urgent housing needs and applications go through the Victorian Housing Register. To find out more, visit our social housing page.

Need more information?

For more information please contact your closest Unison office.

Expression of Interest

Unison Housing is expanding its portfolio of affordable housing.

If you’re eligible for affordable housing, register your details using this simple form to be among the first to hear when new vacancies become available.

A smiling man in a blue and gray jacket sits on a gray couch holding a small, fluffy dog. There is a patterned pillow beside him and a large window in the background.
A modern living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a beige sofa, a glass coffee table, a wooden sideboard with a lamp and flowers, a round wall mirror, a pink chair, and an air conditioner above the door.
A modern building with glass balconies overlooks a narrow, curved gravel path bordered by plants and a tall wooden fence under a clear blue sky.
Modern kitchen with grey cabinets and a small round dining table set for two with black chairs. A plant centerpiece is on the table. In the background, a doorway leads to a bedroom with a neatly made bed. Modern kitchen with grey cabinets and a small round dining table set for two with black chairs. A plant centerpiece is on the table. In the background, a doorway leads to a bedroom with a neatly made bed.
    Two men stand outside a modern apartment building. The man in front is smiling, wearing a gray beanie and a striped scarf; the man in the background wears a dark coat. Trees with autumn leaves are behind them.

    Social Housing
    Three older women stand together indoors, smiling at the camera. Two wear patterned sweaters and hats; one wears glasses and a staff lanyard. Other people are visible in the background, sitting at tables.

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